ChatGPT Tips

Open Forum
81

I’m finding it helpful to ask ChatGPT to compare and contrast synonyms.

Me: What are the differences between “mediante”, “por medio de”, and “a través de”?

ChatGPT:
“Mediante”, “por medio de”, and “a través de” are all prepositions in Spanish that can be translated to “by means of” or “through” in English. Although they have similar meanings, there are some differences in their usage.
“Mediante” is the most formal of the three and it is often used in legal or academic contexts. It implies a more direct or intentional action, and it is usually followed by a noun or a pronoun. For example:

  • Se resolvió el problema mediante una reunión entre los directivos. (The problem was solved by means of a meeting between the executives.)
  • El contrato se renovó mediante un acuerdo entre ambas partes. (The contract was renewed by means of an agreement between both parties.)
    “Por medio de” is a more informal option that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used to express the idea of a channel or a medium through which something is done or achieved. It can be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a verb in the gerund form. For example:
  • Me comunicaré contigo por medio de una llamada telefónica. (I will communicate with you by means of a phone call.)
  • La información se difunde por medio de las redes sociales. (The information is spread through social media.)
    “A través de” is a more versatile option that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It implies a more indirect or circuitous path, and it is often used to express the idea of something passing or going through a physical or abstract space. It can be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a verb in the gerund form. For example:
  • Cruzaron el río a través de un puente colgante. (They crossed the river through a suspension bridge.)
  • Aprendió mucho a través de la experiencia. (He learned a lot through experience.)
    In summary, “mediante” is the most formal and direct option, “por medio de” is more informal and emphasizes the channel or medium through which something is done, and “a través de” is more versatile and emphasizes the idea of something passing through a physical or abstract space.
82

I tried one of the audio add-ins with French, and the results were hilarious. It spoke the French words literally, as though they were English. Avez vous… sounded like “ah-vezz vouse” :wink: That was early on, they’ve probably gotten better by now.

83

I use ChatGPT when I want to form a sentence and I’m not sure if I’m using the right words/verb tenses, etc. The prompt is “traduire” and then the English sentence. It’s also useful for archaic words and phrases found in literature that don’t translate well into modern idiomatic French. Sometimes you have to give ChatGPT context, such as which literary work you found the phrase in. For example the prompt" What were “galeux chimeriques” stumped ChatGPT on its own as it needed more context. So I gave it the full phrase plus the source: “en faveur de vieillards stupides ou de galeux chimeriques from Balzac’s Red Inn” and learned that referred to leprosy, specifically people living in quarantine. I then got a free lecture on leprosy being an infectious disease plus not just a translation but what it might have meant: “The phrase “en faveur de vieillards stupides ou de galeux chimeriques” can be translated as “in favor of stupid old men or lepers,” and it suggests that the narrator is willing to help or support even those who are outcasts from society.” That being said, when I asked it to summarize the plot of Balzac’s The Red Inn it was a total fail. YMMV.

84

chatGPT very helps me

85

GPT chat to ask specific questions, then it gives a better answer

87

Very useful tool! Hope it will be used for peaceful purposes only)